Chocolate Lover’s Fling raises money for Boulder Safehouse
The Boulder Safehouse’s Progressive Alliance for Non-Violence is looking at six figures in donations after their 27th annual Chocolate Lover’s Fling Saturday evening at CU.
Hundreds of guests filled the second floor of the UMC to contribute their time and money to helping end violence against women, youth and children in the Boulder community.
Anne Tapp, the executive director of SPAN, has been involved in the non-violence movement for more than twenty years, and her achievements have been recognized by the Boulder Community.
“This is our largest fundraiser of the year,” Tapp said. “The proceeds help support programs and services for battered women and their children in the community.”
Each year the amount of funds raised has changed, and this year SPAN is shooting for a high amount.
“Last year was our most successful year-we made $147,000,” Tapp said during the event. “Other years we raised close to $100,000. This year the event is sold out and is doing well so far. We hope to make around $120,000.”
The fling featured chocolates donated by local chefs, restaurants and chocolatiers for the guests to indulge in, a live band and a silent auction.
Silent auction items included gift certificates to restaurants and stores around Boulder, such as the Boulder Running Company, as well as books, clothing and paintings. The biggest attractions were several large gift baskets with different themes, ranging from a Sephora cosmetics basket to a basket filled with an array of chocolates.
One CU student said she was amazed at the decor of the event, and came out to show her support for the cause as well as bid on some great items.
“I came to support the Safehouse and what they’re doing,” said Kaley Hasstedt, 20, a sophomore psychology major. “I am impressed. It looks awesome. I’ve already bid on the chocolate basket and I’ve donated money for the mural.”
Hasstedt donated money for a mural created by children involved in SPAN’s outreach youth programs. It will be displayed at the Boulder Public Library in March, and the people who donated money to it will have their names appear on a plaque next to the mural as sponsors.
Other items auctioned off included dinner for two with football coach Dan Hawkins, two tickets to “the Oprah Winfrey show” in Chicago, a brand-new Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and an aquamarine and diamond 14-karat white gold necklace.
Different restaurants and chocolate companies came out in support of this cause bringing their chocolate creations ranging from toffee and white chocolates to brownies and cookies.
Whitney Sinclair, 23, a recent CU graduate who majored in film is now the director of PR for Chocolove, a company that donates their chocolates to this event.
“We are lending support to Boulder Safehouse, and as a local company, we want to support local community resources,” Sinclair said.
Tapp has gotten to know all of the popular events including the chocolate contest.
“The chocolate contest is one of the most popular events,” Tapp said. “It is a way for professional and amateur chocolatiers who make chocolate creations to display their talents.”
John Parkinson, head pastry chef of the Mediterranean Restaurant was one of the premier contestants in the chocolate competition. His chocolate dragon was displayed in the middle of the table among the other contestant’s deserts.
Parkinson looked on at his chocolate dragon and spoke of its artistry.
“It’s the biggest piece I’ve done so far,” Parkinson said.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Melanie Cohn at Melanie.Cohn@colorado.edu
